Related Tags:

[photogallerylink id=126264 align=left][lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Taio Cruz[/lastfm] is a success no matter how you cut it. The international pop singer has been a very real factor on radio and in pop music since exploding on the American scene in 2010 with his hits “Break Your Heart” and “Dynamite.”

He’s worked with some industry heavyweights and talented musicans like [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Ludacris[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]David Guetta[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]RedOne[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Travie McCoy[/lastfm], and lately [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Flo Rida[/lastfm] on his latest single “Hangover.”

Cruz has traveled the world performing his infectious dance tunes, made music videos, he’s living the life. But admits that it’s the down time he enjoys the most.

“The difference between my music videos and real life, there are similarities. There are fast cars, there are beautiful women and there are gorgeous locations … but it’s not every day. It’s a little bit exaggerated in the video (laughs). Generally, to be honest, I live out my fantasies by being on the stage and being in music videos. When I’m at home I tend to chill out, play video games and watch TV (laughs). So, that’s probably more of the reality to be honest.”

Fortunately Taio isn’t stingy with his secrets to success. He clues us in on the things he’s done to ensure a happy life, “I always say that, when you’re trying to reach for your dream, you should keep people around you who are honest and that you respect as well.”

He goes on to use the example of finding opinions of your work, “Ask the right people. Don’t ask someone who has a terrible ear whether your music is good, you should ask someone who has had hits whether your music is good. If they give you positive reinforcement, that’s a good thing. Then I think it’s something to pursue.”

He concluded his advice with ideas that you have probably heard your whole life, but still hold so much validity. “you just have to keep going,” he says “and you just have to keep working at your craft and I think eventually, with a high level of drive, you’ll succeed. I did.”